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Gas pedal fix

DK5

1/2 ton status
Joined
Jan 14, 2007
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Location
The city that rhymes with fun, Saskatchewan
The gas pedal is way to sticky. I have to press too hard on it to make it go. So it seems like I have to accelerate hard everytime I want to go from a stop.

How do I make it function properly? Do I have to replace the spring assembly? It would be nice if it worked like newer vehicles where you have that variable speed and barely have to press on it..:doah:
 
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How hard is it to replace that cable? For how cheap NAPA sells it for, might be worth a shot to loosen up the pedal.
 
It is really easy pretty much clips in place in every spot it is attached to something. Just squeeze the clips and pull or push it out of the hole. It's about a 10-15 minute job. just did it to mine the other day. Then forgot I didn't have to push the gas hard anymore and broke the tires loose haha.
 
If you have a 700r4 transmission replace the tv cable.
I was fighting a sticky cable even after a new throttle cable, replaced the tv cable and everything works perfect now.
 
I had a super heavy / hard gas pedal. I simply sprayed some Silicone where the cable goes thru the firewall, now its much much easier. Before spending any money spray the cable from the drivers compartment and spray the pedal where it pivots too.
 
If you have a 700r4 transmission replace the tv cable.
I was fighting a sticky cable even after a new throttle cable, replaced the tv cable and everything works perfect now.

What is a TV cable? Tried a search through NAPA and got nada...
 
"Throttle Valve" cable on a 700r4 is what determines shift firmness and at what speed it will shift..since its tied in with the throttle ,if its sticky or binding it'll afftect the feel at the gas pedal..

My 77 GMC had a gas pedal that was very sticky and would creak and groan as you applied the throttle,and it made it hard to drive in heavy traffic--you'd press harder and harder until suddenly it would break free,with a croaking noise,then you'd fly forward at near full throttle,it was very annoying and almost made me rear end a few cars..I removed the 3 bolt pedal shaft support assembly at the firewall inside the cab,and applied a ton of wheel bearing grease to the plastic "bushing" area where the pedal shaft pivots on,and it eliminated it for awhile..had to do it several times while I owned it..funny thing was,none of my other GM trucks ever had an issue with that!..
 
What is a TV cable? Tried a search through NAPA and got nada...

Its a cable that goes to your carb. it effects trans pressure (shifting). You should have 2 maybe 3 cables going to carb.

1) gas peddle / throttle

2) TV cable

3) Cruise cable/bar
 
Had my mechanic replace the cable. Think it was less than $100. Cheap insurance and peace of mind to know it was done right.
 
Hey guys I'm back, just want to bring this thread back for some tips

So this problem still exists and my mechanic has been searching for a fix. I told him I'd check on here to see if any of you guys have dealt with the problem. My mechanic says his dad's truck was the same way but they just drove it that way.

The truck's pedal is so sticky that when pulling things from a stop, it can snap tow straps or break parts! Would like to fix this. :doah:

Mechanic also says that this is due to the spring on the TBI? Its too stiff he says but he can't find a softer spring/replacement part to fix :dunno:
 
Mechanic is playing with his '87 TBI that has the same problem. They have determined that its NOT the cable. If you have a spring on a TBI THAT is the problem. The return spring is built into the Throttle body.

I was considering replacing the whole TBI however a rebuilt one will quite likely have the same stiff spring. My mechanic says this was a common problem from the factory as he knew someone with the same problem with only 17K on the truck.

Anyone know of an aftermarket performance replacement that would fix this?
 
My K5 is an 88 with tbi. The gas pedal is very easy to push. I don't think the tbi or throttle cable has ever been touched. The tv cable is old but was properly readjusted when my uncle rebuilt the trans.

Try working the tbi from the engine bay. Remove the cables from the tbi, if needed, and work the throttle by hand. If it is very stiff, then it is probably the tbi. Maybe you could buy a rebuild kit, or just take the tbi apart to check the spring. It might be possible to stretch the spring or find a different one. Once you fully understand where the problem lies and how the system works, then you might be able to come up with a way to fix it, or post here and give us more details to help you. I haven't dug into a tbi unit yet, so I'm no help there.

I had a problem with the cable on my pickup, but it ended up being a bracket that was keeping the carb linkage from closing all the way. I notched the bracket (for the kick up solenoid for the ac) and then took off the extra spring. Now it is a dream. I can't believe I didn't catch it sooner. My friend actually caught that one.
 
check the throttle shaft for play. I doubt its the spring. If the shaft is worn, the cable pulls back on it forcing the throttle plates against the throttle body... Causing them to be harder to open.
 
Well they played around with it and couldn't figure out anything that was wrong so we ordered up another cable and that made a huge difference! So the old cable must have been worn out. It is still a bit sticky at the start of acceleration but very mild! I won't be breaking anything anymore with this setup. Hopefully it stays the same when it gets cold
 
Back when I had TBI my pedal was stiff as well. I replaced the cable and it was still a little sticky, just as you describe. I took the pedal off of the firewall, took it apart, greased it where it pivots, reinstalled and it was perfect. As I recall it is only held on by 3 bolts and shouldnt take but a couple of minutes. Worth a shot.
 
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